NACD Library

Customizable Director Role Description

In brief: This short director role description outlines in detail the key functions and responsibilities a (new) director must exercise on a board. It also lists the various qualifications as well as performance expectations that boards can tailor when recruiting or onboarding new directors. This customizable document can be used to guide the search process for new director candidates and inform the effective transition of a new director onto a board irrespective of sector.

How boards can use this resource:

Clarify the expected roles and responsibilities to new directors

Inform the recruitment of new director candidates

Set uniform expectations about the roles and functions of each director on the board

Set and reinforce performance expectations for new directors

Most relevant audiences: new directors, chairs and members of the nominating & governance committee, corporate secretaries